Labour-backing trade union Unite hit by accusations of bullying and victimisation

LABOUR-supporting trade union Unite has been rocked by accusations of bullying and victimisation.

Staff at its London HQ walked out on strike this week claiming bosses were fostering a “toxic culture” of intimidation and smears.

Unite is one of Labour’s biggest financial backers, donating more than £500,000 to the party’s MPs this year alone.

But it has been plunged into turmoil after employees at the union’s National Bargaining and Disputes Support Unit downed tools.

Unit chief Jack Clarke — who is the husband of the union’s general secretary Sharon Graham — has been caught up in the complaints.

Members of his team have alleged that managers exhibited angry and aggressive behaviour and used inappropriate language.

They are being represented by the GMB trade union.

Danny Adilypour, GMB regional organiser, said: “Our members are sending a clear message that they will not tolerate the toxic bullying culture and victimisation they have experienced at Unite.

“Underhand tactics have been used to undermine these workers’ legitimate concerns and their right to pursue industrial action.

“Today they were met by a counter-protest, in yet another attempt to intimidate them.

"We again call on Unite to suspend the managers accused of bullying behaviour.”

GMB also accused Unite online of union-busting tactics — the same sort of strategies they vow to protect workers from.

In a statement, Unite said the allegations are untrue.

It added: “Unite will not shy away from continuing to clean up the union and will not allow the harassment of women.”